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Gun Control Gathering Draws Crowd

Gun control proponents gathered for a rally today in front of Portland’s City Hall. Mayor Charlie Hales was there, too.

Protesters said their goal was to bring focus to the gun control debate while remaining respectful of Americans’ right to bear arms.

Over 100 people turned out for today's rally by a local branch of One Million Moms for Gun Control

Ryan Voelker / OPB

Portlander Betsy Powell revealed that this was the first rally she’d ever felt compelled to attend. But while she belongs to a hunting club, she feels recent events have convinced her some limits are appropriate.

“I was at the movie theatre the other day with my daughter,” Powell said, “and I was planning how I’d get her out of there.”

Portland Mayor Charlie Hales and wife Nancy address the crowd.

Ryan Voelker / OPB

Another protestor, Mary Campbell, compares owning a weapon to operating a vehicle, or performing surgery.

“You have to be qualified, you have to have training and you have to understand the circumstances and have that judgment,” Campbell said.

The rally also gave an opportunity for gun rights supporters. One man came to the event with an assault style rifle slung over his shoulder. He was immediately asked by police officers to display his permit.